Sheet Metal Worker at S Central or Sheet Metal JATC
at S Central or Sheet Metal JATC in White City, OR
About This Program
S Central OR Sheet Metal JATC in White City, Oregon sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship for the south-central Oregon area. As a JATC-affiliated program, it is supported by both union contractors and the sheet metal workers' union, providing apprentices with industry-backed training and job placement within the local construction market.
The program runs five years, combining 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with 640 hours of classroom-based technical instruction. Apprentices develop hands-on skills in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct installation, roofing systems, and environmental system work. Classroom topics include blueprint reading, pattern layout, welding, mechanical systems, and construction safety.
Completing the apprenticeship leads to journeyman Sheet Metal Worker status, a well-respected credential in the construction trades. Union affiliation connects graduates with ongoing work opportunities, negotiated wages, and benefits throughout their careers in the sheet metal industry.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$26
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
640
Duration
5 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
Sheet Metal Worker Career Outlook
National Median
$26.33/hr
~$54,766.4/yr
Apprentice Start
$16/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Sheet metal worker employment is expected to grow steadily, driven by HVAC system demand in new construction and energy-efficiency retrofits. The transition to high-efficiency systems and commercial building upgrades creates ongoing need for skilled fabricators and installers. Workers with welding and CAD skills have the strongest prospects.
What to Expect as a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice
Duration
5 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~32 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
640 hours of related technical instruction (~128 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Oregon
Sheet Metal Workers in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division, Mechanical Program.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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